The global carbon footprint is growing fast, threatening the environment and people's health. The risks to the environment increase each year as we produce more greenhouse gas emissions through our activities.
Measure your carbon footprint
Therefore, everyone needs to contribute to changing our behaviours to become more sustainable. You have an impact and can reduce your carbon footprint with the 10 simple steps listed in this blog.
What is a carbon footprint?
A carbon footprint is the total amount of carbon emissions resulting from a person's or entity's activity. Carbon emissions come from burning fossil fuels for transportation, heating, and electricity generation.
To reduce your carbon footprint, you should reduce greenhouse gas emissions, like carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.
Read more: How do carbon footprints work?
How to reduce your carbon footprint
1. Recycle your materials
Taking small steps like recycling is one of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint. Recycle your garbage and utilise the recycling services in your area. General household waste that can be recycled includes plastic, paper, metal, and glass.
2. Cut down on plastic
You can make a difference by avoiding single-use plastics like straws, plastic bottles, and plastic bags. Instead, use a reusable water bottle, straw, and cloth bag that you can carry with you. You will not only save money but also benefit the environment.
According to predictions of the United Nations, more plastic will be in the oceans than fish by 2050. It is therefore not sustainable for us to continue using plastic packaging and products at this rate.
Read more: The ultimate guide to plastic credits
You can also shop at places that don't use plastic packaging and where, for example, you need to bring your own containers to fill up on products. You can also participate in neighbourhood beach and park cleanups. Pick up any trash you come across in your daily life, particularly the smaller pieces of garbage.
Offset your plastic footprint
3. Cut down on food waste
Food waste accounts for 6%–8% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
To cut down on food waste, put food in a cool, dry cabinet or refrigerator to properly store it and keep it from spoiling. Try to pay attention to expiration dates. Purchase only what you require. Planning your meals for the week can also assist you in purchasing only what you need.
By making small changes to your food consumption and purchasing, you can reduce your food waste and carbon footprint.
4. Conserve water
Your carbon footprint increases as you use and heat more water. There are a few easy ways to reduce your carbon footprint and cut back on your water usage. You can start fixing leaks, switch to a water-saving showerhead, and turn off the water when shaving or brushing your teeth. These actions may seem small, but over time they have a positive environmental impact and lowers your water bill.
Read more: Water conservation: protecting nature's liquid gold
5. Reduce heating and cooling
Use heating and cooling devices sparingly, and don't set them on too hot or too cold. This can save energy costs and carbon emissions. You can also use fans instead of air conditioners and use appliances like air conditioners on their energy-saver setting.
6. Travel efficiently
Your carbon impact will increase as you travel longer distances, as aeroplane takeoffs and landings produce most of the flight's carbon emissions. If you have to travel by air, select a nonstop flight to avoid layovers.
7. Plant trees, herbs, and vegetables
Trees and plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and produce oxygen. On top of this benefit, trees absorb other pollutants as well, cleaning the air, and they regulate water flow and the climate. When you plant trees, herbs, and vegetables, you not only help to reduce your carbon footprint through the carbon emissions the plants sequestrate, you also produce your own food, contributing to overall sustainability.
Start planting trees today
8. Utilise green products
Phosphates are present in many products and encourage the growth of algae and lowers water oxygen levels, negatively affecting fish and other aquatic life. Therefore, start utilising green cleaning supplies like dishwashing liquid, detergent, and shampoo. There are low-phosphate products on the market. They are better for rivers, oceans, water systems, and the animals living within them.
9. Improve home energy efficiency
Increasing your home's energy efficiency is another method to lessen your carbon footprint and, in the long run, save money. Make sure to choose more-efficient power solutions each time you need to make home improvements, such as installing eco-friendly house insulation or solar power.
You'll benefit financially by increasing the value of your house, cutting costs, and even getting a better deal on home insurance.
10. Start walking or biking instead of driving
To cut down on your carbon emissions, include some of your frequent short-trip destinations on a walking or biking route. You can typically walk a mile in less than 20 minutes. This is a fantastic way to get some exercise into your hectic day whilst benefitting the environment.
If you live reasonably close to your place of employment, one of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint is to commute by bicycle, take public transportation, or by carpooling. You can also work from home if you can or switch to a more fuel-efficient vehicle.
Read more: 5 Sustainable business practices to achieve net zero
How to reduce your carbon footprint with DGB Group
Measuring your carbon footprint is the first step towards your sustainability journey. Once you understand the amount of carbon emissions you are responsible for, DGB Group can help you reduce and offset such emissions with our innovative solutions.
By reducing your carbon footprint, you contribute to a greener, healthier, more biodiverse future.
Calculate your carbon footprint now
